Retired Teacher Joins LCCAA Board

posted 6/15/23 -- Debbie Hughes is no stranger to helping.

The retired special education teacher runs a church food pantry and is the newest member of LCCAA’s Board of Directors.

“I learned about LCCAA when I applied for a food grant to provide extras at the holidays,” she said. “I am interested in trying to represent the low-income sector.”

A lifelong resident of Sheffield Lake, Hughes taught special education in Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools for 32 years. Since retiring in 2011, she has spent more time working at her church, Lorain Lighthouse United Methodist.

For five years, she operated a hot meal program and currently runs the free choice food pantry. Hughes purchases, organizes and stocks the pantry making sure it offers a variety of healthy choices.

Hughes is excited to learn more and help spread the word about LCCAA’s programs.

“What intrigues me the most are the services available that I didn’t even know existed,” she said. “I am anxious to see what all is available and how to get that information to the people who need it.”

Hughes is a 1975 graduate of Brookside High School and holds degrees from Lorain County Community College and Bowling Green State University.

By federal law, LCCAA’s Board of Directors is made up of representatives from three sectors: Public (usually elected officials or their designees), Private (often business leaders) and Low-Income (low-income residents or those who serve them). Hughes will serve in the low-income sector.